Fire Destroys Home-Total Loss

On July 8th at 10:48 AM, Morganton Public Safety was dispatched to a structure fire at 619 Hopewell Road. First arriving units advised there was smoke showing from a single story residence confirming there was a working fire. Upon arrival of Morganton Engine 1, the house was deemed fully involved with fire. Morganton Engine-4 laid a water supply line from the hydrant at the Duralee Plant, just north of the Incident from the scene. Due to the extended and narrow drive way, most of the Morganton fire apparatus and public safety vehicles had to utilize Hopewell Road for parking. The combination of the supply hose having to be laid from Duralee and emergency vehicles staged on Hopewell Road resulted in the closure of Hopewell Road. Multiple suppression lines were used to extinguish the fire along with extensive overhaul of materials within the residents.

Upon arrival, all occupants of the residence evacuated to a safe location on the property.

Duke Power Electric personnel were contacted to respond to turn-off the power to the residence. Fire personnel remained on the scene for approximately 3 hours extinguishing fire extension. No injuries to victims or fire personnel were found or reported.

The fire is currently under investigation by Morganton Public Safety fire investigators. It appears the fire is accidental at this time, possibly starting in the bedroom from a cigarette. Unfortunately, the residential structure and all contents was a total loss.

Burke County REACT assisted Public Safety personnel by managing traffic control operations.